Actress Dakota Fanning opens up about her experiences facing inappropriate questions from the media during her early career, expressing concern for the impact on young stars today.
Dakota Fanning, who shot to fame as a child star in films like "I Am Sam" and "Man on Fire," has spoken out about the inappropriate questions she faced from the media during her youth, expressing concern for the well-being of young stars today.
In an interview with The Cut, Fanning recalled being asked "super-inappropriate questions" by journalists, including one who inquired how she managed to have any friends. She expressed empathy for fellow child stars who have been subjected to intense scrutiny and faced challenges in their lives.
Dakota Fanning Reflects on Inappropriate Media Scrutiny as a Child Star
"I have a lot of compassion for people who have been made into examples," Fanning said.
Fanning highlighted the importance of family support in her own journey, crediting her mother for teaching her how to treat others and herself with respect. She also emphasized the significance of being treated as an equal in her work environment.
Dakota Fanning Reflects on Inappropriate Media Scrutiny as a Child Star
"I was always treated with respect. It was never ‘Bring the kid in! Get her out!’ I wasn’t working with people who treated me that way — I was being respected as an actor and as equal as you can be for that age," she said.
Despite her positive experiences, Fanning acknowledged the disconcerting trend of public fascination with the shortcomings of child stars. She expressed concern about the potential for a subconscious desire to see young stars fail.
Dakota Fanning Reflects on Inappropriate Media Scrutiny as a Child Star
"I’ve definitely felt this kind of vibe from people almost wanting me to fail or something. It makes you feel a little bit guarded," she said.
Fanning believes that the media's role in highlighting the downfalls of child stars can contribute to their struggles. She hopes that the industry has become more cognizant of the need to treat young talent with respect and sensitivity.
Dakota Fanning Reflects on Inappropriate Media Scrutiny as a Child Star
"People couldn’t get away with that kind of thing so much anymore. By the time I got to that age, it was sort of being recognized as probably not the best way to treat people," she said.
Fanning emphasized that she has always approached acting as a job rather than a lifestyle, allowing her to maintain a healthy perspective on the industry. She expressed gratitude for her love of her craft and her ability to avoid the pitfalls that have affected other child stars.
Dakota Fanning Reflects on Inappropriate Media Scrutiny as a Child Star
"I’m pretty happy with who I was then. I don’t look back and have any regrets," she said of her younger self. "I never let public perception or any of that stuff really influence the choices that I made, and I just tried to stay true to myself. I’m pretty proud of my past self."
